As spring slowly makes its way to the Maltese Islands, flower lovers have something to look forward to! Ambjent Malta has shared the exciting news that Argotti Botanic Gardens in Floriana are now bursting with the bright yellow blooms of the Grey-leaved Euryops (Euryops pectinatus), a perennial plant originally from the Western Cape of South Africa.

Despite the striking similarities, these yellow flowers aren’t to be mixed up with the Crown Daisy (Glebionis coronaria) – very commonly spotted all over the Maltese countryside during spring and summer. One quite important difference between the two is the fact that the Crown Daisy is edible, with leaves used in salads and stir-fries, particularly in Asian cuisine! The Grey-leaved Euryops, on the other hand, makes strictly ornamental flowers, so if you’re looking for some petals to add to your salad, make sure you know the difference!

Another difference between the two are their preferred environments, with the Crown Daisy preferring moist soils and tolerating only moderate drought, while the Grey-leaved Euryops is highly drought-tolerant, thriving in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, and quite happy in coastal conditions too – perfect for living in Malta!

If you love flower spotting, take a stroll through Argotti Botanical Gardens in Floriana and see these golden blossoms in full bloom!

Have you ever seen one of these golden beauties?